Name: Lauren Whitty
University: Southampton Solent University
Course: Public Relation and Communication
Twitter: @laurenwhitty
LinkedIn: Lauren Whitty
Blog: www.laurenrosepr.com
Why did you choose to study PR?
My journey to studying PR wasn’t direct. I initially started my first year of university studying Media and Publishing at Bath Spa. However after studying the degree for the first few months I realised that it wasn’t for me. I wanted to be more involved with the business side of things and meet clients ect. That’s why I transferred directly onto the second year of the PR degree at Solent.
I love how the course at Solent really equips you for all different sectors
What has your course involved?
My course involves many different aspects of PR from social media and digital campaigns to corporate communications and PR Ethics. I love how the course at Solent really equips you for all different sectors and aspects of the PR industry.
What has been the most interesting aspect of studying PR?
I would say it’s learning about PR campaigns and strategy and what that involves. As part of my 3rd year, I was studying a unit called PR Strategy. This has taught valuable skills on how a PR campaign works from start to finish, which is something I can take into industry.
I did many different things from social media strategies and research to ordering 200 cup cakes!
Will you do a year in industry placement?
I didn’t do a year placement as that’s not part of our course however I did do work experience last summer at London based PR agency Blue Rubicon. I loved my time there as I got to work with exciting clients like O2, Samsung and Bupa. I did many different things from social media strategies and research to ordering 200 cup cakes!
Have you any other PR experience?
I have worked for just under 2 years at Bournemouth based PR agency Darren Northeast PR. Originally starting off as work experience this then became my part time job whist studying my degree. I am currently a Junior Account Manager with DNPR and my role includes a variety of work from looking after the social media for all clients to writing blogs. I love working for DNPR as it’s taught me so much along side my degree and the experience has been invaluable.
What are your aspirations for after university?
I hope develop my career within PR hopefully working as a Social Media Manager, as that is an aspect of PR I love!
Who is your PR inspiration?
I would say my PR inspiration has to be Darren Northeast. After running his own PR business for over 10 years within the Bournemouth area, he has really inspired me to pursue a career within PR. Darren is a real asset to the business community within Bournemouth and is a true example of what hard work can achieve. It was Darren who gave me my first opportunity to work in PR, which will always mean a lot to me.
Which PR blogs, news sites and websites do you read?
I love to keep up to date with all things PR from www.prdaily.com and www.prnewsonline.com. I also love to read blogs and my favourites have to be Rebecca Henderson’s PR Blog and fellow student Laura Bradley.
If you love English, business and media then PR is the perfect combination.
What are your tips for A level students considering a PR degree?
I would say go for it! If you love English, business and media then PR is the perfect combination. I would recommend getting some work experience in a local PR agency over the summer to see if you like the feel of the PR environment.
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